Lisbon, Aug. 8, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) imposed fines of almost €2 million for non-compliance with the legal regime on slots and night-time flight restrictions at Lisbon airport during the first half of 2025.
According to data sent to Lusa by the regulator, in the first half of the year, 51 fine proceedings were initiated and 81 were concluded, with a total of €1,978,700 in fines imposed. However, ANAC points out that the data for the first half of the year is not yet final.
This concerns flights that landed or took off between midnight and 6 a.m., exceeding the daily or weekly limits established by current regulations imposing restrictions on night-time air traffic due to noise.
Regarding noise non-compliance recorded in June and the rest of the first half of the year, the authority said that, according to the latest data, by the end of April, 595 reports of potential non-compliance had been received and were still being analysed, so no final data was available.
The number of proceedings brought against airlines has been increasing, from 202 in 2023 to 208 in 2024, indicating continued growth in enforcement and the application of penalties.
The number of cases concluded increased from 34 to 246 in the same period, while fines imposed also rose sharply, from €266,200 in 2023 to €8,721,600 in 2024.
However, the total amount of fines may decrease, as not all cases have been finally decided and are still subject to judicial appeal by the carriers concerned.
According to the 2004 order, a maximum of 91 weekly and 26 daily flights are allowed between midnight and 6 a.m. at Lisbon airport.
The order also makes authorisation for night-time movements conditional on the noise levels of the aircraft used.
The environmental association Zero has warned of the increase in flights outside the permitted hours and the consequences of noise pollution caused by aircraft.
Zero has called for a ban on night flights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. from summer 2025, as well as increased monitoring and enforcement of sanctions in the event of non-compliance with the legislation.
This issue has been the focus of attention in the context of the implementation of noise mitigation measures, as determined by Cabinet Resolution No. 58/2025.
ANAC, together with air traffic controller NAV Portugal, are preparing to implement these measures, although the deadlines may be extended due to the demanding requirements of European legislation, as an official source from the regulator explained to Lusa.
SCR // CSJ
Lusa/Fim
